Introduction

In conversations about weight loss, the distinction between “lifestyle changes” and “diets” are frequently made. You will often hear statements like, “long-term weight loss only happens when you change your lifestyle, and diets just provide short-term results”. What exactly is meant by “lifestyle changes” and “diets” when making these kinds of distinctions? This brief article will help answer that question.

Since we’re discussing the meanings of terms, semantics are inherently involved. However, I will be describing what is most often meant by the terms “lifestyle changes” and “diets” within the context of effective weight loss. The easiest way to demonstrate the differences between these terms is to list their distinctive qualities and offer coinciding examples.

Qualities Associated with Diets

For example, cutting out carbohydrates almost entirely on day 1 of a diet

Unsustainable changes

For example, cutting out carbohydrates almost entirely

Non-specific health-related changes

For example, focusing only on weight loss, while other aspects of health are ignored

Impractical changes

For example, eating 5 small meals a day that are evenly spaced out, regardless of what your schedule looks like

Rigid structure

For example, a strict list of foods to choose from

Short-term maintenance of weight loss

For example, losing 25 lbs in 12 weeks, and then gaining all the weight back by the end of the year

Does not require education and personal empowerment

For example, many diets require that you simply follow directions without understanding the reasons behind the directions, leaving you uninformed about how to make healthy decisions about your nutrition

The Proper Application of Diets

I do not intend to demonize the traditional idea of the diet (i.e. significant dietary changes dictated by a rigid nutritional protocol that lasts for a definite amount of time). Diets can be healthy and effective, and their results can be long-term but only if the dieting individual falls back on a foundation of a healthy lifestyle after the diet is completed. If an individual eats poorly before and after a diet, their weight loss efforts will be wasted because the unhealthy lifestyle that caused them to gain weight in the first place will also cause them to put the weight back on after the diet is over. While many diets are effective, many are not, and some are even harmful. Understanding the importance of lifestyle changes and the fundamentals of weight loss will allow you to identify diet shams that are a waste of time and money.

Summary

Lifestyle changes are necessary for the long-term maintenance of weight loss, while dieting alone will only yield short-term results. The psychological challenges of changing how you eat are crucial considerations and must not be ignored. Eating is an essential human behavior that is deeply intertwined with emotion, social life, and culture. Developing long-term healthy eating habits requires a psychologically prudent approach that is gradual, practical, and individualized.

Diets can be effective in weight loss, but their results will not be maintained unless healthy eating habits are practiced after the diet is over. Therefore, it is best to develop a solid foundation of lifestyle changes before attempting any diets. Healthy eating habits must be prioritized if you are to lose weight and keep it off. Click here for a list of articles that will help you to develop the lifestyle changes necessary for long-term weight loss.

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Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to replace or supersede medical recommendations given to you by your physician. Please consult with your physician before making any significant changes to your diet or physical activity level, especially if you have any preexisting conditions.